In a pivotal Week 4 matchup that could significantly impact the Big Ten title race, the No. 21 Michigan Wolverines will travel to Memorial Stadium in Lincoln to take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Nebraska is coming in with an impressive 3-0 record, while Michigan stands at 2-1 for the season.  The game is scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 3:30 PM ET and will be televised on CBS.

The Wolverines are looking to continue their recent dominance over the Huskers, having won the last four meetings, including a 45-7 victory in 2023. However, Nebraska is off to its most dominant start in 30 years, outscoring opponents by an average of 41 points per game and averaging 49 points per contest.

Key storylines

• Quarterback Battle: The game will feature a compelling matchup of young quarterbacks, with Michigan's freshman Bryce Underwood facing Nebraska's sophomore Dylan Raiola. Raiola has started the season strong, completing 77% of his passes for 8 touchdowns and no interceptions. Underwood, the No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class, showcased his dual-threat ability last week, throwing for 235 yards and a touchdown while adding 114 rushing yards and two scores on the ground against Central Michigan.

• Nebraska's Home Advantage: The Cornhuskers will benefit from the home crowd at Memorial Stadium, a notoriously difficult environment for opposing teams. This is a crucial game for Nebraska as they seek to end their 27-game losing streak against ranked opponents and announce their arrival on the national stage.

• Michigan's Coaching Situation: Michigan will be without head coach Sherrone Moore once again, who is serving the second game of a two-game suspension. Interim coach Biff Poggi will lead the Wolverines on the sideline.  There didn’t seem to be any drop off or confusion while he was out against CMU, but that game was home and let’s face it, it was CMU.

• Michigan's Defense vs. Nebraska's Offense: Michigan's defense is considered one of the best in the country, particularly against the run.  They have the talent and depth to stifle Nebraska's running game led by Emmett Johnson, who has 52 carries, 326 yards, four rushing touchdowns, adding another through the air. Nebraska's offense, led by Raiola and a balanced attack that spreads the ball around to six different receivers with over 80 receiving yards, will test the Wolverines' secondary.

• Nebraska's Defense vs. Michigan's Offense: Nebraska boasts the nation's top passing defense, holding opponents to just 65 passing yards per game. This will be a significant challenge for Michigan's freshman quarterback, Bryce Underwood, who has shown flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency with a 57.5% completion percentage this season. The Huskers' rushing defense has been more vulnerable, giving up 136 yards per game and nearly 4.5 yards per carry. Michigan will likely try to establish the run with Haynes and Underwood's dual-threat capabilities. Look for Marshall to stay heavy and active in the mix as well.

Staff Picks 

Dakota 

This is going to be a close one folks.  Many aspects of this match up are proving to be quite even, and for that reason I believe the score will be as well.  I think Michigan’s defense has enough stop the rushing attack, forcing Raiola to make some good passes.  Being that it is an away game for the Wolverines, their defense needs to travel, and their special teams may be the difference in this one.  I am taking Michigan 27 Nebraska 24.

Zack

This week I'm predicting an old fashioned big ten brawl in the trenches.  I believe Michigans running game is going to prove to be too much for the Cornhusker's leaky run defense.  Brynce Underwood is going to be able to use his legs to be the difference in the game.  Im expecting a big day for Justice Hayne's and Jordan Marshall  after Underwood keeps Nebraska off balance with his passes mixed in. Michigan 34 Nebraska 17